As a Clickbank vendor, is there some reason why I shouldn't know who my affiliates are? Sure I can do a round-about way of discovering the websites that have my hoplink, but it would be a whole lot more convenient if Clickbank would just say (in their email alert) "You have a sale...here is the customer, and here is the affiliate responsible for the sale."

ClickBank do not want vendors to move to another affiliate network and take their affiliates with them.

It's a little foolish on the part of ClickBank to think this strategy works. If I'm really serious about moving to another network, with enough work, I can find my affiliates.

What's unfortunate about this Clickbank policy is that vendors and affiliates SHOULD be in contact with each other; sharing ideas, discussing campaign outcomes, encouraging each other. I've had some vendors contact me directly, and it's been a win-win relationship.

I noticed that some of my affiliates use a "readable" hoplink with my nickname (which is why I thought Google would help me find my affiliates). Do you advise against this? What are the advantages of using an encoded hoplink?

I have noticed, with a few programs I wanted to join, that clickbank now allows vendors to approve any affiliates. I think this would be the place to start. You can gather their information at the application process. The casual affiliate might not want to apply but you probably do not want them to be an affiliate anyway.

The serious affiliates will have no problem applying to your program and then you have all their info for your email list